Plethora - Foundations of Computational Thinking

K12 CS Framework Aligned

Plethora

Plethora teaches children as young as 8 to solve complex problems using Computational Thinking.

Plethora is an online platform that uses gamification to teach youth of all ages the foundations of Computational Thinking so they can use them in every aspect of their life. Plethora includes various Computer Science topics with many levels each, educator’s area with lesson plans and a dashboard that allows monitoring of student’s performance, and a Level Studio with which students build and share their levels with the community.

URL:

https://www.iamplethora.com

Cost:

Some Paid Content

K12 CS Framework Components

What is this?
Grade Band:
K-2
Concept:
Computing Systems
Sub-Concept:
Devices
Statements:
People use computing devices to perform a variety of tasks accurately and quickly. Computing devices interpret and follow the instructions they are given literally.
Grade Band:
K-2
Concept:
Computing Systems
Sub-Concept:
Troubleshooting
Statements:
Computing systems might not work as expected because of hardware or software problems. Clearly describing a problem is the first step toward finding a solution.
Grade Band:
K-2
Concept:
Computing Systems
Sub-Concept:
Hardware and Software
Statements:
A computing system is composed of hardware and software. Hardware consists of physical components, while software provides instructions for the system. These instructions are represented in a form that a computer can understand.
Grade Band:
K-2
Concept:
Algorithms and Programming
Sub-Concept:
Algorithms
Statements:
People follow and create processes as part of daily life. Many of these processes can be expressed as algorithms that computers can follow.
Grade Band:
K-2
Concept:
Algorithms and Programming
Sub-Concept:
Variables
Statements:
Information in the real world can be represented in computer programs. Programs store and manipulate data, such as numbers, words, colors, and images. The type of data determines the actions and attributes associated with it.
Grade Band:
K-2
Concept:
Algorithms and Programming
Sub-Concept:
Control
Statements:
Computers follow precise sequences of instructions that automate tasks. Program execution can also be nonsequential by repeating patterns of instructions and using events to initiate instructions.
Grade Band:
K-2
Concept:
Algorithms and Programming
Sub-Concept:
Modularity
Statements:
Complex tasks can be broken down into simpler instructions, some of which can be broken down even further. Likewise, instructions can be combined to accomplish complex tasks.
Grade Band:
3-5
Concept:
Computing Systems
Sub-Concept:
Hardware and Software
Statements:
Hardware and software work together as a system to accomplish tasks, such as sending, receiving, processing, and storing units of information as bits. Bits serve as the basic unit of data in computing systems and can represent a variety of information.
Grade Band:
3-5
Concept:
Algorithms and Programming
Sub-Concept:
Algorithms
Statements:
Different algorithms can achieve the same result. Some algorithms are more appropriate for a specific context than others.
Grade Band:
3-5
Concept:
Algorithms and Programming
Sub-Concept:
Variables
Statements:
Programming languages provide variables, which are used to store and modify data. The data type determines the values and operations that can be performed on that data.
Grade Band:
3-5
Concept:
Algorithms and Programming
Sub-Concept:
Control
Statements:
Control structures, including loops, event handlers, and conditionals, are used to specify the flow of execution. Conditionals selectively execute or skip instructions under different conditions.
Grade Band:
3-5
Concept:
Algorithms and Programming
Sub-Concept:
Modularity
Statements:
Programs can be broken down into smaller parts to facilitate their design, implementation, and review. Programs can also be created by incorporating smaller portions of programs that have already been created.
Grade Band:
3-5
Concept:
Algorithms and Programming
Sub-Concept:
Program Development
Statements:
People develop programs using an iterative process involving design, implementation, and review. Design often involves reusing existing code or remixing other programs within a community. People continuously review whether programs work as expected, and they fix, or debug, parts that do not. Repeating these steps enables people to refine and improve programs.
Grade Band:
3-5
Concept:
Impacts of Computing
Sub-Concept:
Social Interactions
Statements:
Computing technology allows for local and global collaboration. By facilitating communication and innovation, computing influences many social institutions such as family, education, religion, and the economy.
Grade Band:
6-8
Concept:
Computing Systems
Sub-Concept:
Troubleshooting
Statements:
Comprehensive troubleshooting requires knowledge of how computing devices and components work and interact. A systematic process will identify the source of a problem, whether within a device or in a larger system of connected devices.
Grade Band:
6-8
Concept:
Algorithms and Programming
Sub-Concept:
Algorithms
Statements:
Algorithms affect how people interact with computers and the way computers respond. People design algorithms that are generalizable to many situations. Algorithms that are readable are easier to follow, test, and debug.
Grade Band:
6-8
Concept:
Algorithms and Programming
Sub-Concept:
Control
Statements:
Programmers select and combine control structures, such as loops, event handlers, and conditionals, to create more complex program behavior.
Grade Band:
6-8
Concept:
Algorithms and Programming
Sub-Concept:
Modularity
Statements:
Programs use procedures to organize code, hide implementation details, and make code easier to reuse. Procedures can be repurposed in new programs. Defining parameters for procedures can generalize behavior and increase reusability.
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